Adhesive Indecisive: Differences between Types of Adhesive
Which is the better option for your paper based project
I alway face this problem with my projects where I use PVA Glue, the paper will starts wrikle and takes forever to dry; use Glue Stick and its not strong enough, paper fall apart after few days, glue stick will be my favorite if it doesn't have this issue; Hot Glue is too thick and hard, and not suitable for my project; Super glue dries up too quickly and difficult to control; and I can tell you straight away, my new favorite is double tape. Although its not as flexible, but it is the best for my paper based project.
For glue stick, one of the reason might be becasue I always get the most budget option, but, can't help it. My goal at this stage is to use the cheapest option to achieve a desirable result.
Different type of Adhersive
Craft is not always my thing. It will only comes to my mind when there is something I need and it's too expensive to buy, e.g display cabinet; or when it's too easy to make or the selling product did not hit my expectation e.g feedback card. [Thats how we come out with our scratch off feedback card idea, please visit our page if you are interested ;)]. So due to the lack of experience at this stage, I am not sure which adhersive is better for which, most of the time I will just use whatever I can get at home like PVA glue, Glue Stick, Hot Glue, Super glue and double tape, let's talk about them.
- PVA (Polyvinyl Acetate) glue
PVA is a versatile, water-based adhesive. This makes it easy to clean up with water before it dries, that is widely used in woodworking, paper crafting, and other general-purpose bonding tasks. Once cured, PVA glue forms a strong, durable bond that is resistant to impact and stress. Plus, PVA glue is generally non-toxic and safe to use, making it a popular choice for school projects and children's crafts. When dry, PVA glue remains slightly flexible, which helps in preventing cracks in the bonded materials with relatively low cost.
BUT, here come the but, PVA glue requires a bit more effort to apply as it is a liquid adhesive. You need to spread it evenly on the surface. Becasue of its water-based trait, paper will start absorbing liquid and slowly become wrinkly. You can use clamp to keep it nice and flat together until its set, but not everyone has a flat piece of wood and G-clamps laying around somewhere at home.
Furthermore, maybe myself is lacking the patient character in me, I genuinly thinks that it takes forever for glue to completely drieds up. After all this, when you tries to pick up without noticing a coner of it still sticking to your cutting mat because of the excess glue and "ripped", it feels like all your hardwork gone.
- Glue Stick
Glue Stick is a solid adhesive in a twist-up tube that is applied by rubbing it onto surfaces. It's widely used in school projects and for light bonding tasks due to its ease of use and minimal mess. The solid form of glue sticks makes them easy to apply without spilling or dripping. It dries relatively quickly, making them ideal for projects that need immediate handling. Plus, most glue sticks are non-toxic and safe for children to use. Glue stick is like a double tape without the protective cover and you can go any direction with a clear view.
Glue stick would be idea for many of my project if it is strong. In my situation, glue stick let go after awhile or when I try the flexibility, it came off. Also, the one that I got doesn't last. When the crafty mood came, all I can find is a dried up solid stick. In this case, PVA glue will be always there when you need it.
- Hot Glue
Hot glue is an adhesive that is applied in a molten state using a hot glue gun. It is made from thermoplastic, which becomes liquid when heated and solidifies upon cooling. It sets quickly, usually within minutes as it cools down and forms a durable bond that is suitable for a variety of materials, including wood, fabric, plastic, and metal. The glue can be applied in various thicknesses, making it versatile for different projects.
Although this is one of the adhesive I can find at home, but won't use this on my paper project. I bought it when its on discount but rarely use it. Hot glue will goose out of nozel when I am fixing my project and I don't like the smell it produce when its heating up. It is simple and quick to use but I try to minimise the usage of this.
- Super glue
Super glue, also known as cyanoacrylate adhesive, is a fast-acting adhesive that bonds almost instantly upon contact with moisture, including the moisture present in the air. It creates a very strong and durable bond suitable for various materials like plastic, metal, ceramic, and rubber. Super glue often comes with a precision tip, allowing for controlled application.
Super glue are not ideal for paper project either becasue it dries up hard. It takes away the flexible trait from paper and if it panetrate through the paper it change the colour of your project. However, super glue fixed a lot of my pot and broken fridge magnet so *thumbs up.
- Double tape
Double tape, also known as double-sided tape, is a pressure-sensitive adhesive tape that has adhesive on both sides. It is designed to stick two surfaces together without being visible from either side. Double tape is incredibly easy to use. You simply peel off the protective layer and press it onto the surfaces you want to bond. Unlike liquid adhesives, double tape doesn't leave a mess or require drying time. Double tape comes in various strengths and widths, making it versatile for different applications.
Because of its trait, double tape become my favorite adhersive option for my paper project. However, it is not alway butterflies and unicorn. Double tape can only goes in one direction. If you want to apply adhesive around a circle or curved shaped, PVA can do the job better. Also, you will have to measure everytime before cutting if you want to achieve prefect coverage without having over laping tape. Double tape also produce rubbish as the protective cover become usless after peel off.
Double Tape rank top on my crafty adhesive helper mainly becasue there is no liquid content that will wrinkle my paper and no drying time. Meaning that your project can be done straight away and no time waste. However, no drying time requires more control. You've only got 1 chance, once its stick you can take it apart.
This is something I found online that can be a better option for you. I would give this a try.
EZ Runner Grand is a high-capacity adhesive tape runner designed for ease of use and efficiency. Unlike traditional glues or tapes, this tool dispenses a strip of adhesive quickly and cleanly, making it ideal for a wide range of applications. Using the EZ Runner Grand is straightforward. Simply press the runner onto the surface where you want the adhesive, and pull it along to dispense a strip of tape. The adhesive is ready to bond immediately, making it a quick and efficient solution.
The refillable design means you can use it repeatedly without the need to dispose of the entire unit, reducing plastic waste and making it an eco-friendly choice. When the adhesive runs out, simply replace the cartridge with a new refill. This might make it more cost-effective and environmentally friendly than buying a new runner each time. If you’re new to using an adhesive runner, instrucrtion state that practicing on some scrap paper to get a feel for the pressure and speed needed for the best application is require.
So conclusion, when it comes to crafting, DIY projects, or everyday household repairs, adhesives play a crucial role. Among the most common types of adhesives are PVA glue, Hot Glue, Double Tape, Super Glue, Glue Sticks and EZ Runner Grand. Each of these has its unique properties and uses, making them suitable for specific tasks.
Understanding the differences between these adhesives can help you make the best choice for your project, ensuring a strong and lasting bond. Always consider the materials you're working with and the nature of the task to select the most suitable adhesive.